Tai Tam yacht crew rescued after sperm whale collision

A four-person crew was rescued in the South Pacific after their 16-meter yacht, the Tai Tam, was struck by a pod of sperm whales. The incident occurred approximately 250 nautical miles north of Norfolk Island.

During the collision, which involved a group of six to eight whales, the vessel's steering system was damaged and multiple cracks formed in the fiberglass hull. As water began flooding the boat, the crew issued a Mayday call. One crew member, Martin Jaffre, attempted to seal the leaks using expansion foam in an effort to save the vessel.

The New Zealand Air Force deployed a P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft to locate the crew and coordinate rescue efforts. After 18 hours, the crew was rescued by a cargo ship. Before being picked up, the sailors had to abandon the sinking yacht and move into a life raft to avoid being pulled down by the vessel.